Galamsey

• Prize
  Gold in Book/Documentary
• Photographer
  Mariusz Smiejek, United Kingdom
• Date of Photograph
  2019-2021
• Studio
  1G1 Studio Belfast
• Website
  https://www.mariuszsmiejek.com
• Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/mariusz.smiejek

Galamsey is a journey into the lowest level of the global gold supply chain in Ghana. I documented a system driven by desperation and international demand, where nearly one million people work in illegal mines in extreme, often life-threatening conditions, with limited options for survival. Their labour sustains global markets while rivers are poisoned, forests are erased, and communities are trapped in intergenerational poverty. This work exposes the true cost of gold and the structures that sustain it, showing how global consumption is built on local collapse and invisible human labour.

An independent documentary photographer, visual storyteller, and educator with over 20 years of experience specializing in capturing the raw narratives of human and social conditions. Renowned for documenting a wide range of subjects, including post-conflict communities, refugee crises, child slavery, human trafficking, systemic abuse, environmental degradation, and the human impact of resource extraction.

Awards 2026
World Photography Awards, Shortlisted in the professional category
UK

2025
Human Impact Awards, Wex Photo Video, Third prize
UK

2024
Budapest International Foto Awards, First prize in category: Book/People
Hungary

2024
Prix de la Photographie, Paris PX3 First prize in category: Book/People
France

2024
Kolga Tbilisi Award, Shortlisted
Georgia

2024
Gomma Photography Grant, Honorable mention
UK

2024
Tokyo International Foto Awards, First prize in category: Book/People
Japan

2023
Lucie Foundation Photo Book Prize, Finalist in category: Independent First Book
USA

2023
International Photography Awards, First prize in category: Book/People
USA

2023
International Photography Awards, Top 5 jury selection
USA

2021
Photography 4 Humanity Global Prize created by David Clark Cause with global partner United Nations Human Rights, Finalist
USA

2021
World. Report Award. Documenting Humanity. Festival della Fotografia Etica. Shortlist in category: Spotlight.
Italy

2020
National Geographic Magazine Award. First prize in category: Human and water.
Poland

2018
Grand Press Photo. Second prize in category: Daily life, series.
Poland

2018
Grand Press Photo. Shortlist in category: Portrait.
Poland

2017
Grand Press Photo. Second prize in category: People, series.
Poland

2016
The Other Hundred Project, Educators - UK winner.
China

2015
National Geographic Magazine Award. Special mention in category: Street photography.
Poland

2014
Fotofestiwal ?ódz. Honourable mention by Magnum Photos Agency.
Poland

2013
Sony World Photography Awards. Honourable mention.
UK

2012
International Photography Award. Honourable mention.
USA

2012
National Geographic Magazine Award. First prize in category: Photo Reportage
Poland

2011
National Geographic International Photography Contest. Second prize.
UK & Ireland